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Annual Report: Fiscal Year 2012
The Georgia CASA Annual Report for July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2013 has been published. Click here to view the electronic version. |
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Latest Georgia Child Abuse & Neglect Statistics
Every day, 33 children are the victims of confirmed abuse or neglect.
186 incidents of child abuse and neglect are reported daily.
65 children died from abuse and neglect in 2011.
On any given day, about 7,400 children are in the foster care system.
13,498 children came through the foster care system during state fiscal year 2011. |
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Events Calendar
11/9:
Save the Date!
11/12:
(to benefit Metro Atlanta CASA)
Save the Date!
11/12-14:
Save the Date!
6/7-10, 2014:
National CASA Association's Annual Conference
(Grapevine, TX)
Save the Date! |
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CASA Volunteer Profile: Millie Bush, 2012 CASA Volunteer of the Year in Georgia
Millie Bush, the 2012 CASA Volunteer of the Year in Georgia from CASA for Children in Cherokee County, recently shared her thoughts on being a CASA volunteer.
Georgia CASA: When did you become a CASA volunteer?
Millie: I started CASA training in September of 2002 and was sworn-in as a CASA and received my first case in November of 2002.
Georgia CASA: How did you learn about CASA? What made you want to become involved?
Millie:After I retired, I searched for a program in which I could work with children. I researched a number of other programs relating to youth. However, after attending a meeting where the CASA program was explained, I knew that the CASA program was what I
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Millie Bush with Duaine Hathaway (Georgia CASA Executive Director) and Deidre Hollands (CASA for Children Executive Director) |
was really looking for. I knew what abused and neglected children went through and I wanted to help these children find love and a safe, permanent home. I wanted them to have a chance at life.
Georgia CASA: What qualities do you think are important to have as a CASA volunteer?
Millie: As a CASA volunteer, you have to have good communication skills and the ability to really listen to what is being said (i.e. get to know the family). You also have to have the willingness to go the "extra mile" to have a successful conclusion to a case. It's also important to be objective and keep an open mind, always remembering you are working for the best interests of the child. You have to be willing to ask the tough questions.
Georgia CASA: What has been your greatest challenge as a CASA volunteer?
Millie: I think one of the greatest challenges is establishing a good working relationship with the families. This is a sensitive time for them, as the child(ren) may have been removed from their home and they may be bitter or angry. Also, they may tend to be less than honest with you and you need to win their confidence and trust. Only then can you begin to help them.
Georgia CASA: What has been your greatest success as a CASA volunteer?
Millie: I have been working as a CASA for 10 ½ years. During this period of time, I have established a wonderful working relationship with the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS), the juvenile court system and the numerous attorneys involved with each case. I have worked with many of the DFCS supervisors when they were just starting out as case managers. Any differences of opinion or issues can be discussed openly and honestly. We are all working toward the same goal, which is a safe, loving, permanent home for these children.
Continued...click here to finish reading the article.
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Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Georgia CASA
This year, Georgia CASA is celebrating its 25th anniversary! We've already held several events this year in conjunction with the celebration, including the 25th anniversary reception kick-off party, CASA at the Capitol Day, Georgia CASA Conference, Preview Party and Georgia CASA Luncheon & Fashion Show. To read more about these events, as well as the 25th anniversary, be sure to visit our 25th anniversary web page.
We want to also congratulate our two affiliate program Awards of Excellence winners this year, CASA of the Appalachian Judicial Circuit (Established Program) and Hall-Dawson CASA (Innovative Program). You can read more about them under Press Releases on this page.
The National CASA Association is also celebrating an anniversary this year - its 35th year! For more information about the 35th anniversary, please visit the 35 Faces of CASA web page.
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Young Lawyers Division Event Raises $45,000 for Georgia CASA
On March 2nd, the Young Lawyers Division (YLD) of the State Bar of Georgia held its seventh annual signature fundraiser, with Georgia CASA as its beneficiary for 2013. The event was a masquerade-themed ball at the Capital City Country Club in Brookhaven and included a reception for the Host Committee and sponsors, followed by more than 200 attendees who enjoyed an open bar, heavy hors d'oeuvres and live music by Yacht Rock Schooner. Live and silent auctions were also part of the event, which raised a total of $45,000 for Georgia CASA.
Thank you to the event co-chairs, Jessica Cabral Odom, Karen Kurtz and Sarah White, as well as Rachael Zichella and Betty Davis, who solicited event donations! Georgia CASA also wishes to thank Mary McAfee, YLD Director, for all her hard work on the event! Thank you also to the generous support of law firms, legal industry vendors and in-kind donations from members of the State Bar!
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Thank You to Our Winter 2013 Donors
Our donors help Georgia CASA to have a significant impact on
the work of our affiliate CASA programs statewide. We would like to especially thank our donors for Winter 2013! Thank you for supporting the work of CASA volunteers in Georgia. |
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Affiliate Program Highlights
CASA Kids, headquartered in Thomasville and serving Brooks and Thomas counties, held its first annual Downtown Putt Putt Tourney on March 16th, with a St. Patrick's Day theme. Nine downtown Thomasville merchants built putt putt holes in their shops, creating a walking course. Thirty teams, consisting of four adults/children, participated and had an enjoyable time. Plans are in the works to hold the event again next year.
Piedmont CASA, located in Jefferson and serving Banks, Barrow and Jackson counties, held its first annual HeART for Chocolate, Heart for Children Gala on March 23rd. Local artists and school children donated art, and local restaurants and caterers donated chocolate for tasting and for an auction. The event raised over $13,000 and will be held again in February of 2014.
Several affiliate CASA programs recently held golf tournaments, including Northeast Georgia CASA, headquarterd in Toccoa, with Tee Off for CASA on April 8th at Cateechee Golf Club in Hartwell, and Ocmulgee CASA, headquartered in Milledgeville, with Swing a Club for CASA on April 29th at Harbor Club on Lake Oconee. |
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Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates, Inc. (Georgia CASA) develops and supports court-sanctioned, community-based programs that provide trained and supervised volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children involved in juvenile court deprivation proceedings. Currently, 46 affiliate programs throughout the state serve 140 counties. Last year, over 8,880 children were served by over 1,960 CASA volunteers.
www.gacasa.org
404.874.2888 or 800.251.4012
fax 404.874.2889
A Member of The National CASA Association
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